In the spring of 2021, a life was tragically cut short in north St. Louis County. Alfonso Watts, a 43-year-old Black male, was shot and killed on April 19th following an altercation at a residence in the 10800 block of Hallstead Drive. The incident, which unfolded in the afternoon, prompted a response from the St. Louis County Police Department, who found Watts with at least one gunshot wound.
He was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation, led by the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons, soon revealed that the shooting was not a random act of violence. It was determined that an argument had preceded the fatal gunfire and that the suspect was known to Watts. His niece later shared the heartbreaking detail that he was tragically murdered shortly after arriving home from work while his children were present in the home. He was remembered by his family as a wonderful brother, father, mentor, and friend who touched the lives of many around him.
In the wake of the shooting, the investigation pointed towards a single suspect. Shanta Belk, a 39-year-old, was identified as the individual responsible for the death of Alfonso Watts. Belk was subsequently arrested and faced serious charges for her alleged role in the incident. The charges brought against her included second-degree murder and armed criminal action, marking a significant development in the pursuit of justice for Alfonso Watts and his grieving family.
